Monty Roberts, opportunity of a life time
JOBURG - The world-renowned horse whisperer, Monty Roberts, will be visiting South Africa on 28 May at Equidome in Midrand as part of his Join-Up tour – a two-day tutorial on how to better communicate with horses.
Roberts said he was looking forward to coming here. “It has been my pleasure to visit South Africa to see the country but I have never demonstrated there,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting the needs of horses in South Africa that will be brought to my demonstrations.”
According to Roberts, the importance of harmony between a horse and a rider is quickly becoming an important quality in judging at the highest levels.
Roberts began his 25-year touring career at the request of Queen Elizabeth II after having seen him with her own horses. “I am not a guru or a genius but I discovered what nature already had in place,” he said.
“I was born in a time and place that allowed me to identify with the flight animal and reject violence in the training of horses. “Observing the wild horses in Nevada provided me the opportunity to recognize the horses’ silent language of gestures.
“I quantified the gestures in what I call Equus, a gesture language like signing for the deaf. An open palms and fingers is a gesture that sends the horse away. Turning your body at a 45-degree angle is an invitation for the horse to join-up which is achieved when the horse recognises the gestures and trusts you to come closer.”
During his tour to South Africa, he will also teach his techniques to the Shumbashaba Equestrian team which consists of underprivileged children from Diepsloot.
“We have two programmes now in which we use Join-Up with at-risk communities. One is Horse Sense and Healing for people suffering with post traumatic stress. The second is Lead-Up for youth leadership in violent communities,” said Roberts.
“I have different opportunities for students to learn. My textbook, DVD and my Equus Online University add lessons and challenging questions to the experience,” he said.
Roberts said those who come to the workshop will not be left unattended after it is over. “I am searching for my first certified instructor in South Africa which will support that learning. It would be my hope that many of my certified instructors will support the horsepersons of South Africa as follow ups to this tour.”
With regards to his own goals, Roberts mysteriously said, “I have been able to accomplish much more since I wrote my first book in 1976. At 80, I feel I am just hitting my stride in horsemanship. There is still much left to learn.”
